The development of a comprehensive peer buddies program in a merged tertiary institution: the University of Johannesburg

Naicker, M; Boshoff, N; Maritz, G; Fourie, A

Abstract:The merger of several tertiary institutions, namely Technikon Witwatersrand, Vista University and the Rand Afrikaans University to form the University of Johannesburg, resulted in the centralization of a number of programs. This also brought about the restructuring of the previous Student Counselling and Career Development Centres from the individual institutions to form the Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD). The merger presented the challenge of addressing the various diverse students' needs at each campus while providing a unified system. With this in mind, PsyCaD developed, implemented and presently maintains the new peer buddies program across all four campuses. The goal was to form a centralised peer buddies program with a decentralised implementation system to suit the varying needs and culture of the respective campuses. The present program plays a pivotal role in educating, empowering and supporting fellow students' in their pursuit for academic and psychosocial success. Comprehensive training provided to the peer buddies enables them to deliver services to their respective peers. Challenges to the program were identified, addressed and the future plans for the peer buddies program are stipulated.